EXAMPLE: Kentucky Performance Levels

Kentucky, in the forefront of the development of content and performance standards, has
defined performance levels as follows:

Novice: The student is beginning to show an understanding of new information or
skills.

Apprentice: The student has gained more understanding and can do some important
parts of the task.

Proficient: The student understands the major concepts, can do almost all of the
task, and can communicate concepts clearly.

Distinguished: The student has a deep understanding of the concept or process and
can complete all important parts of the task. The student can communicate well, think both
concretely and abstractly, and analyze and interpret data.